The Reading Warehouse

A comprehensive introduction to the elusive barn owl.

Given their largely nocturnal existence, few of us are lucky enough to glimpse a barn owl. But with the advent of minicams in backyard nesting boxes, birdwatchers can enjoy real-time online viewing of barn owls. Not surprisingly, interest in barn owls and wild birds in general is increasing.

Barn Owl reveals these remarkable creatures in detail. Rarely seen images -- including stunning photographs of nesting owls and their owlet chicks -- accompany the authoritative text, which describes:

• The survival of barn owls
• Their biology and behavior
• Courtship and reproduction
• Life cycle
• How and what they hunt
• Social interaction
• Conservation.

The ghostly barn owl is further brought to life through personal anecdotes from the author and photographer, which are woven into the text. A list of resources directs readers to additional information on the elusive barn owl.

The barn owl is a powerful predator with a critical role in rodent control, and it is in dire danger from rodent poisons, lack of nesting sites and human encroachment. Barn Owl renders an informative and timely portrait of this endangered bird.